Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from ‘Rocky,’ Lifeless at 76

3:41 PM PT — Two of Carl’s former costars have expressed condolences for the late actor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a photograph of them from the set of ‘Predator,’ and wrote … “Carl Weathers will all the time be a legend. A unprecedented athlete, a unbelievable actor, and an awesome particular person. We couldn’t have made Predator with out him. And we actually wouldn’t have had such an exquisite time making it.”

Dolph Lundgren of ‘Rocky’ fame additionally posted a tribute, writing … “I used to be saddened to listen to the information this morning. Together with the world, I’ll miss Carl. He was an awesome actor, a terrific athlete and an excellent good friend. I cherish many particular recollections of Carl, each professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that particular allure that all the time introduced a smile to your face”

Carl Weathers — well-known from a lot of motion pictures, however most prominently as Sylvester Stallone‘s early nemesis within the ‘Rocky’ motion pictures — has sadly died … TMZ has confirmed.

The beloved actor handed away peacefully Thursday whereas surrounded by family members — this based on an announcement from his household. They are saying, “We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”

They add, “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an distinctive human being who lived a unprecedented life. By way of his contributions to movie, tv, the humanities and sports activities, he has left an indelible mark and is acknowledged worldwide and throughout generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, companion, and good friend.”

Unclear what illnesses, if any, Carl might have been battling currently … he’d been actively appearing in recent times — and on the floor, there did not appear to be a lot mistaken with him.

In any case … it is an absolute blow to showbiz — Carl was a titan within the film business, with appearing credit relationship again to the early Seventies when he was visitor starring on exhibits like “Good ” ‘Kung Fu,” “S.W.A.T.,” “The Six Million Greenback Man,” “Cannon” “McCloud” and extra.

His true massive break got here courtesy of Sly … Carl was solid because the brash and daring heavyweight champ of the world, Apollo, and he was pitted towards Rocky within the ring for 2 movies.

His character caught round for one more two ‘Rocky’ movies … within the third one, he really introduced the Italian Stallion out of a hunch and again to glory with a brand new kind of coaching he’d by no means skilled … making for some iconic, memorable scenes as a part of a montage.

The shot of them slow-mo operating on the seaside, and Sly finally pulling forward, goes down in film historical past as one of the superior and provoking issues caught on digicam.

Apollo was killed off in “Rocky IV” — in dramatic trend, no much less — however his imprint in that film franchise lives on even at this time … Michael B. Jordan performs his fictional son within the ‘Creed’ flicks, that are nonetheless going robust — and which proceed to be cranked out in Hollywood.

Even outdoors of ‘Rocky,’ Carl’s presence left an impression in nearly each cult traditional flick he is been part of. Simply to call just a few proper off the bat — “Predator,” “Completely satisfied Gilmore,” “Motion Jackson,” “The Defiant Ones,” “Braker,” “Dying Hunt,” “Hurricane Smith,” and others.

His TV credit are additionally fairly spectacular … CW was on exhibits like “Fortune Dane,” “Tour of Responsibility,” “Road Justice,” “Within the Warmth of the Night time,” “Brothers,” “The Defend,” “Arrested Growth,” “Chicago Justice,” … and extra just lately, in Star Wars’ “The Mandalorian.”

He’d appeared in episodes of the latter as just lately as 2023. In all, he has 80 appearing credit.

Outdoors of Hollywood, Carl was concerned in noble charitable efforts — together with Lupus L.A., The L.A. Police Memorial Basis, The PEACE Fund and The Tower Most cancers Analysis Basis.

Previous to his appearing profession, Weathers performed for the Oakland Raiders from 1970-1971 … and the staff addressed the tragic loss in an announcement Friday afternoon.

“All the time a proud Raider, Weathers might be missed dearly by his Raiders Household and his many followers worldwide,” the staff stated. “Our deepest condolences are with the Weathers household right now.”

He is survived by his two sons. Carl was 76.

RIP